Deut 27 · Rom 11

Devotion 1 of 2: Deut 27

In this chapter Moses divides the 12 tribes of Israel into 2 groups, one that blesses the people for obeying God’s commandments, and one that curses the people for disobeying.
I think the tribes that were chosen for blessing were “good” tribes, who either behaved righteously (Joseph, Issachar), or if they did behave badly at first, they repented and behaved righteously later on (Simeon, Levi, Judah).
On the other hand, I think the tribes chosen for cursing were “bad” tribes who either behaved badly (Reuben, Dan), or didn’t do much, so were never mentioned much in the Bible.
This principle applies to us, too. If we do good, or even if we do badly, if we repent and after that, do good, God will recognize us and use us for blessing others. But if we do badly, or don’t do anything, God cannot use us for good, so Satan will use us for bad! Let’s seek to become vessels that God can use for good!

Devotion 2 of 2: Rom 11

This chapter is the last of the triad (3 chapters) of Rom 9-11. It is about God’s sovereignty, or election, and Israel’s restoration.
Some Christians believe in the “Replacement Theory,” that the church replaced Israel as the people of God, so Israel will never be God’s chosen people again. But this chapter clearly states that in his sovereignty, God will lead Israel to salvation again in the last days. Here are the verses that say that:
v.1-2 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.
v.11-12 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!

(3/3)
v.15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
v.23-24 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
v.26-28 And so all Israel will be saved…For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
So let’s believe and pray that Israel will be saved and be restored as God’s people again!